Well, the 12th Bi(Tri?)ennial stone show went off with a bang last night. We had an awesome time catching up with the stoner fraternity from far and wide and soaking up a whole show of nothing but fine rock carving . The TC boys did pretty well - I picked up a major category award (and a nice cheque!) and had one of my works purchased for the gallery's permanent collection. Tama put in two of the very best from his legendary "box", won a very nice chunk o' stone and also had his stunning pekapeka added to the collection. Celebrations went well into the small hours (for a few of us anyway!) and I'm feeling decidedly poked today. Other highlights were getting to spend a lot of time with the judge, a guy whose work I have always been in awe of and get some invaluable feedback from him, as well as a brilliant post-dinner lecture...and also meeting some incredible new talents on the scene and seeing their work in person for the first time after drooling over it online. It really doesn't get any better!

Between the waves, the celebrations, and family stuff I still manage to find time for a little carving:

#65 - The Shark Fisherman

I designed this little hei-tiki as a side hanger, but I kept turning it upright when working on it and liked how that worked too, so he got an extra set of holes in the back of his head. About 1 3/4" (43mm) long....
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Really great modern interpretation of a rather traditional form! Nice work, Paip!
So which piece won an award? Pics please! Congratulations! Good to see some of the "important" people finally seeing the genius we've seen in your work for a few years now.

Oh Yeah! That part! I'll re-watch it again tonight. I remember Donavon and the guys being pretty spooked about being swept away. But WHAT A WAVE! Wide open barrels! Wow. How often is it good there?
I'm all smiles picturing you out there LOVING IT! Congrats on the award...I would of loved to of seen all that. Nurse yourself today, you deserve it.
-Dave
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The award is a little thing considering your art... congratulations Paipo. The 'shark fisherman' is worth of Picasso sinthesis! Very impressive, from this only is easy to see how deep and mature is in you the idea and the craftmanship of metamorphosing stone in a new substance..
Absolutely beautiful

This must be one of the most beautiful renditions/interpretations of a Hei Tiki I have EVER seen. It moves me to tears to see how alive and evolving that sacred art is, thanks to talented and motivated artists like you.